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Build This Boat!

Build This Boat!

Step-By-Step Instructions, FREE

By the Alexandria Seaport Foundation

Hundreds of Bevin’s Skiffs have been built around the world. Now, you can too! Thanks to the generosity of our friends at the Alexandria Seaport Foundation and Building to Teach, now you have an opportunity to build this boat, at no charge — as long as you build it with kids.

(If you’re only building it for yourself, you should purchase a set of plans from the Seaport). (Boat kits are also available from the Seaport Foundation.) There is a lot of great information here that also applies to beginning boatbuilders. Building a Bevin’s Skiff is also a great way to teach hands-on math. For more information go to: www.buildingtoteach.com.

Comments

I am an administrator at a school in Maine. Most of the schools in Maine no longer support a technology class for middle school aged students. Could this be a project for an after school tech program? How do we sign up?

After taking Joe Yocha’s Boatbuilding to Teach Math, Chris Washkovick has taught a summer school class and she and her students have a boat just about complete! Please note, this is a teacher that has not ever built anything close to something like a boat, yet it really has turned out great. I foresee a lot of public schools adapting classes similar to this because of their relevance to the real world applications of math! I’ve always thought boat building was cool but I never realized how relevant it really is!

You might consider having your class build a scale model of the Bevin’s Skiff. We build a sailing model with middle school students. It’s a good project that allows you to teach a wide variety of math skills. If you use a CNC machine to cut the parts, it’s a great application of coordinate planes and Algebra.

Hi, I purchased the plan for the Bevins Skiff last spring with plans to build nit as a project to do with my little rather from the big brothers program. I'm having a difficult time finding marine plywood in my area. Any suggestions for suppliers in Wisconsin (particularly the Green Bay area.)...or any other suggestions. Thanks in advance.

The drawing has a couple of pieces that are not dimensioned, but rather are said to be "Full-size." That works fine if I know what size paper on which the drawing is to be printed. The paper size should be noted on the drawing. It isn't. Can someone tell me on what size paper this drawing should be printed? THANK YOU!

As an Educator/Administrator, I began teaching Math and Science with Kite building and mocking up a complete Conestoga wagon; diamentions, geometry, aerodynamics and hands-on success. Building a Bevins skiff will be an awesome addition. Thank You:-)

Morning everyone.
New member here. I an a cabinet maker from rosemount Mn and we have 8 yes thats eight grand kids.
The older two and I would like to build something and not a bird house or more fishing rod holders.
My granddad and I built soapbox derby cars together and it's time to do something new with them. Were still
thinking about what to build for the first timer and I am open to any ideas in the 8' to 12 foot range. We Think we would like something for an outboard.

I grew up building things with my grandpa and have learned a lot. I have been looking for a project that I can do with my 2 little girls that they can enjoy. Looks like I found a good way to teach them some valuable lessons while building something they can use.

Is the wood kit available anywhere in Baltimore / Annapolis area. Any info will be appreciated as I am newbie to wood working and will make it easier and more fun if I don;t spend a lot of time looking for wood pieces although Annapolis may have a few places for buying supplies.

My fishing buddy and I are planing on building the skiff with his grandchildren this spring. I hope that someone has built a sailing rig for this boat to get some feedback. We are planning to work from the plans and make our own kit to be ready when the kids get out of school.
Thanks
Tom O.

No one has responded yet about the sail conversion.
I have found a lot of information out there on a Balanced Lug sail. At this time that looks like the system to go with. Everything will store inside the boat, easy to make and easy to handle.
We have all of the parts made for the "kit" and now we are just waiting for one very excited 10 year old to get out of school and come back to Michigan.

That's great, Tom -- Thanks. As I recall, there is a sailplan included within the downloads. But use a balanced lug if you want. (For questions like this, I suggest you post to the WoodenBoat Forum -- It's a free service. http://forum.woodenboat.com.) Let school be over and get the boat built.

My son loves fishing, but I didn't. Started fishing with him and love the time we are spending together. Building a boat with him will be an amazing accomplishment for both and many fishing days. Thank you.

I have build and been given a few "home builts" over the years and have had to leave them behind when the military says go. Now i have stopped moving, have grandkids, and there is nothing better for a guy and his grands than a new boat. And have found just that boat. Thanks Scott

I built my first boat with my dad when I was 10. Now at 73 I work with many children in the inner city of Los Angeles and I love giving them new experiences. I can’t wait to get started. Thanks for opportunity.

We have built several Bevin’s Skiffs at Kids & Classics Boatshops as part our Boats4Folks programme. We are in Glen Williams, Ontario, outside the greater Toronto area. Plans are to do a sailing version in the next year. http://kidsnclassicsboatshops.blogspot.ca/

I live in Southern Patagonia, in a town called El Calafate and we have an inmense lake system here. My wish is to incentivate the kids in secondary schools to learn to build wooden boats, as a means to start a local provision of watrercraft (it's a small town and growing) as well as help keep them off the streets and out of mischief.
I have downloaded the plans and will keep you posted with further news. Thanks for the idea and opportunity to help kids.